Biodiversity Informatics:I designed a cross-platform database system called Mandala, which specializes in cataloging systematics and biodiversity research. Development of Mandala began in 1995 through a National Science Foundation PEET (Partnerships for Enhancing Expertise in Taxonomy) grant studying the poorly known fly family, Therevidae (DEB 95-21925 and 99-77958). The focus of Mandala for the PEET was mainly retrospective entry of specimen-related information and delineating a complete nomenclatural history of this family with its associated literature. In 2005, the bioinventory aspects of Mandala were greatly expanded by the needs of the Fiji Bioinventory of Arthropdods (NSF Biodiversity Surveys and Inventories grant DEB 04-25790). For the Fiji project, the emphasis was on prospective data entry of specimens and the tracking of roughly sorted subsamples from Malaise traps as loans to specialists for identification. Also in 2005, Mandala was used for the Busey Woods BioBlitz. In addition, species pages are being developed to be served through Mandala for the Diptera AToL (FLYTREE, NSF EF 03-34948) project. Mandala is being expanded once again to track the progress of genomics studies for FLYTREE and the tabanid (horsefly) PEET project. See links to project webpages at left. Mandala is being used by several projects and has been demonstrated nationally and internationally.

Aphids, Movement, & Plant Virus Epidemiology:My scientific research interests are in plant virus epidemiology, especially of those viruses vectored by aphids such as soybean mosaic virus, and barley yellow dwarf virus. I am also interested in the dynamics of movement of aphids and other arthropods and the use of this knowledge in IPM programs. I have worked on long distance movement projects with the corn leaf aphid in Illinois and the Russian wheat aphid in Colorado.

Outreach & Mentoring:I have participated in ACES Open House, Insect Expo, GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math, & Science) programs as well as working with occasional school groups and teen programs. I have coordinated the data entry of two bioblitzes (Allerton Park and Busey Woods). I feel strongly that education and appreciation for the sciences are critical to developing well-rounded and informed citizens. One way to become informed about science is to become a pod-person!